Madaripur, Dec 09 (V7N) – Kalkini Upazila in Madaripur observed its Liberation Day on Sunday with discussions and commemorative programs honouring the freedom fighters who liberated the region from Pakistani forces on this day in 1971. The Kalkini Upazila Administration organised a discussion event where Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon, BNP’s nominated candidate for Madaripur-3 and Joint Secretary of BNP’s Education Affairs Committee, attended as the chief guest. The programme was presided over by the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, with Kalkini Upazila BNP President and freedom fighter Fazlul Haque Bepari, BNP leaders, activists, and local freedom fighters in attendance.

Kalkini was freed from the Pakistani occupation a week before the country’s final victory on December 16, 1971. According to historical accounts, freedom fighters in five command units simultaneously engaged Pakistani forces in Siddhikhan, Enayetnagar, Samitirhat, and several adjoining areas including Gouranadi and Muladi of Barishal. After intense face-to-face battles, the freedom fighters successfully defeated the occupation troops, bringing Kalkini under full liberation on December 8.

Local accounts reveal harrowing details of atrocities committed during the war. In April 1971, Pakistani forces established a camp at Bhurghata beside the Dhaka–Barishal highway. Captured civilians were brutally hacked to death and their bodies thrown into the river. The waters under a nearby bridge often turned red with blood, earning it the name “Lalpool” or “Red Bridge,” a name still widely known among locals today.

Freedom fighters of Kalkini say the present generation remains largely unaware of the region’s wartime history. They expressed their desire for a dedicated Liberation War museum in Kalkini to preserve historical documents, memories, and testimonies for future generations.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saif-Ul-Arefin said that the administration and the Freedom Fighters’ Council arranged a series of programmes throughout the day to commemorate the historic occasion.

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